5 Things / Another Perspective
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This week, in response to one of last week’s 5 Things, I received a thoughtful note from a reader offering another perspective:
After reading your blurb about conventions canceling in Florida, I wanted to provide another perspective being in the tourism industry and having been hit by travel boycotts in the past:
I fully understand the need for companies and people to take a stand – and often pulling away publicly from these communities is one big way to do that. I often do this as an individual. However, while this could have a negative backlash on Desantis eventually, it also has an immediate impact on the people working in the tourism industry in those communities – often those we are trying to support through DEI work (women, POC, LGBTQ+). It’s not a hotel owner or management company that is hurt by a meeting pulling out, but a housekeeper who is told their hours are being cut, or a waiter at a hotel restaurant who might lose their job entirely if business is down. It’s the everyday, hard-working people in that community that are hurt first.
Perhaps the long-term effect is worth it, but we shouldn’t dismiss the very real immediate impacts as well.
I wrote to agree, and if you read last week’s 5 Things, you’ll see this as another example of Yes, and...
Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:
46 Million Americans Struggle With Substance-Use Disorder and Hypertherm Associates Is Paving the Way for “Recover-Friendly Workplaces”
Hypertherm Associates is transforming the way American businesses address substance-use disorders in their workforce. Hypertherm's "Recovery-Friendly Workplace" initiative fosters understanding, support, and accommodation for employees with substance-use disorders. This includes a “Recovery-Friendly Workplace” sticker on the front door, cards with a list of resources in the company’s restrooms, and managers trained. By destigmatizing addiction, the company is building loyal, stable teams while addressing a national crisis.
UPS Workers Reach a Tentative Contract Deal With Management Days Ahead of Strike Deadline
UPS and the Teamsters union have reached a tentative five-year contract agreement, averting a potential strike by the company's 340,000 workers. The deal includes significant wage increases, addresses heat safety measures, and ensures better working conditions. UPS, which put $30 billion in new money on the table, aims to provide industry-leading pay and benefits while remaining competitive. The agreement carries broader significance as it sets a new standard in labor relations and highlights the growing need for fair treatment and support of workers, many of whom are from historically marginalized groups.
Tech Company CHANI Is Proving Why Caring for Your Employees Pays Off
Check out this primer for smaller companies on how to create the win-win of increased revenue and happy employees. CHANI, an astrology-focused tech and media company, offers living wages starting at $80,000, seven weeks of company-wide shutdowns, a four-day work week, and stipends for personal growth and more. They’ve also achieved over 50% annual growth in subscribers and revenue since its 2020 launch and donate 5% of revenue to the non-profit FreeFrom. CHANI's model highlights that prioritizing employees' financial and emotional needs can lead to increased engagement, productivity, and retention.
Swift Stunned the Eras Tour’s Trucking Staff by Giving Each Trucker a Check in the Amount of $100,000
Taylor Swift gave $5.5 million in bonuses to her crew members, including $100,000 thank-you gifts to her truckers, during her high-grossing Eras Tour. Swifties know that she’s a big philanthropist, having made significant contributions to food banks, families affected by Covid-19, and disaster relief efforts in the past. I have a soft spot for Taylor because we share a birthday and she’s an amazing songwriter, but besides that, I love that her actions set an example for others and draw attention to important social issues.
Wisconsin’s First Universally Accessible Park Breaks Ground in Wauwatosa
Moss Universal Park, Wisconsin's first universally accessible park, broke ground in Wauwatosa. The project will include an 18-acre inclusive playground and park for people of all ages and abilities, featuring accessible facilities, inclusive trails, adaptive equipment rentals, and more. I love this because it sets a precedent for inclusive public spaces. Everyone should have opportunities to play. (h/t Patti Flynn)
Call to Action:
Minette Norman’s book The Boldly Inclusive Leader, is here! You can order it for release on August 8 right here. Minette was a delightful 5 Things in 15 Minutes guest earlier this year.